CRBN Lawsuit, PPA Upsets, Industry Shakeups Lead Global News

Welcome to your weekend, pickleballers!

Before you get yourselves out on court, read all the latest pickleball news from around the world.

CRBN Strikes Back: Patent Infringement Lawsuit Filed Against Vatic Pro

California, USA – The competitive landscape of pickleball paddle manufacturing has moved from the court to the courtroom, as CRBN Pickleball officially filed a patent infringement lawsuit against competitor Vatic Pro on December 17 in the California Central District Court. The legal action centres on Vatic’s V-Sol Power paddle, a full-foam core model released in September, which CRBN alleges infringes upon their proprietary technology.

CRBN owners Garrett Gosselin and Kyle Goguen stated that the decision to litigate was not made lightly but became necessary after attempts to resolve the matter privately failed. "We reached out directly to provide early notice and an opportunity to adjust their design before our patent issued," the owners explained in a statement. They further noted that subsequent attempts to engage in constructive discussion were met with a lack of cooperation, leaving them "no alternative but to take steps to protect our intellectual property".

The patent in question, U.S. Patent No. 12,465,827, relates to CRBN’s TruFoam technology, a foam core innovation debuted in their Genesis line in early 2025. CRBN argues that protecting the intellectual property resulting from substantial financial and time investments is essential for continued innovation and the long-term health of the sport. While specific technical details of the infringement remain under wraps, the dispute highlights the visible differences between the paddles: the Vatic Pro V-Sol Power features an "indented foam core," distinct from the "fully foam core" of other models.

Vatic Pro CEO Daryl Wang responded to the filing, emphasising that the company takes intellectual property issues seriously. "We intend to respond through the appropriate legal process," Wang stated, adding that the company remains focused on serving customers while the legal matter proceeds.

Legends and Upsets: Lendl Wins Gold, Top Seeds Fall at PPA Daytona Beach Open

Daytona Beach, USA – The PPA Daytona Beach Open delivered a spectacle of generational talent and thrilling upsets this week, headlined by tennis legend Ivan Lendl claiming gold and a dramatic shake-up in the men's pro doubles bracket.

Lendl, the 65-year-old former World No. 1 tennis player, proved his competitive fire remains undimmed. Partnering with Jean Halahan, Lendl secured a gold medal in the mixed doubles division. For Lendl, who now trains with specific attention to diet and agility, the victory is part of a larger journey. "I enjoy winning... But I get my enjoyment from getting better," Lendl remarked, noting that he analyses his performance with the same rigour that won him eight Grand Slam tennis titles.

In the professional divisions, the tournament saw massive upsets. The men's doubles team of Riley Newman and Noe Khlif stunned the top-seeded duo of Andrei Daescu and Gabe Tardio in a three-game epic. After losing the first game, the No. 7 seeds saved a match point in the second before rallying to an 11-9 victory in the decider. "This is what I live for," Newman said after the match. "Whether you win or lose, you just have to have belief in yourself".

The women's doubles draw was defined by fresh chemistry, as three of the four semifinalist teams were first-time partnerships. Top seeds Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson overcame a slow start to defeat Jessie Irvine and Mari Humberg, while the new pairing of Rachel Rohrabacher and Etta Tuionetoa dominated their quarterfinal, leveraging Tuionetoa’s aggressive play on the left side. "Rachel just let me loose out there," Tuionetoa said of their on-court dynamic.

Jaipur Stallions Dominate as Global Sports Pickleball League Heats Up

Mumbai, India – The intensity of the Global Sports Pickleball League reached new heights on Day 3, with the Jaipur Stallions emerging as the day's clear victors in the Pro Division. In a series of high-stakes matches that tested both stamina and strategy, the Stallions solidified their standing by dismantling rivals Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors and Kolkata Kingz.

Jaipur's dominance was anchored by a 3–1 victory over the Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors. Sahra Dennehy led the charge with a composed singles win, followed by a women’s doubles victory alongside partner Kusuma. The Stallions continued their momentum against the Kolkata Kingz, securing another 3–1 win thanks to Aditya Ruhela’s tight 21–19 singles victory and a commanding performance in men's doubles by Yang and Munro.

Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Vikings experienced a rollercoaster day defined by razor-thin margins. They managed to edge out the Bengaluru Blazers 3–2 in a pulsating tie that required a tiebreaker to decide the winner. However, their fortunes reversed later in the day against the Nashik Ninjas, who forced a decider and clinched the tiebreaker 21–17, handing Hyderabad a heartbreaking loss.

Despite the mixed results in the Pro Division, the Hyderabad Vikings maintained their stronghold in the Challenger Division, continuing an unbeaten run to sit atop Group A. With several ties decided by single games or tiebreakers, Day 3 underscored the league's competitive depth and the critical importance of doubles execution in shaping the early season standings.

Industry Giants Unite: Global Pickleball Organizations Form Coalition Against Counterfeits

Chicago, USA – In a rare display of total industry alignment, major leadership organisations across the pickleball world have formed a unified front to combat the rising threat of counterfeit paddles. The coalition includes heavyweights such as the APP Tour, PPA Tour, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and USA Pickleball, all agreeing on a singular message: "There is no room for counterfeit paddles in the sport".

The initiative addresses a problem that goes beyond lost revenue for manufacturers; it strikes at the heart of player safety and competitive integrity. According to the joint statement, counterfeit paddles often utilise unregulated materials and fail to meet the rigorous safety and performance standards established by authentic manufacturers. While legitimate brands invest heavily in research and testing, counterfeiters bypass these safeguards, introducing potential risks to the court.

"Counterfeit paddles undermine competitive integrity and can pose real safety risks," the coalition stated. The group’s mission is to educate players at every level—from local recreational courts to championship arenas—about the dangers of fraudulent equipment. By discouraging the sale and use of these fakes, the organizations aim to support legitimate innovation and protect the "integrity of the game we all love". The alliance represents a significant step in maturing the sport's governance, proving that rival tours can set aside differences to protect the pickleball ecosystem.

Powerhouse Merger: Paddletek and ProXR Join Forces to Create 'The Paddletek Group'

United States – The business of pickleball saw a major consolidation this week with the announcement of a merger between equipment manufacturers Paddletek and ProXR. The union creates "The Paddletek Group," a new entity that also includes the brand Yobow, positioning itself as a dominant force in the racquet sports market.

According to Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) data, the merger immediately catapults the new group to the status of the No. 2 paddle brand among advanced players. Curtis Smith, founder of Paddletek—which has sold over one million paddles to date—hailed the move as a milestone for the sport. "Bringing all of these brands together under one platform amplifies our ability to innovate," Smith said.

The newly formed group plans to maintain its commitment to U.S. manufacturing while leveraging the combined expertise of its constituent brands to push technological boundaries. Ron Saslow, CEO of The Paddletek Group, emphasised the synergy of the merger, stating that the collaboration brings together "respected brands with complementary strengths" to create a "bigger, bolder, better company". Players won't have to wait long to see the fruits of this partnership, as the group announced plans to release a new performance paddle line in January 2025, alongside an expansion into the growing sport of Padel.

"Don't Trust a Fake": Pros Swap Paddles for Crystal Balls in Hilarious Anti-Counterfeit Campaign

United States – If you’ve ever wondered what top pickleball pro Hayden Patriquin would look like as a psychic, or Tyra Black as an airline pilot, a new industry campaign has the answer. In a creative bid to highlight the dangers of counterfeit equipment, the United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has launched the "Don't Trust a Fake" campaign, using humour and AI imagery to drive home a serious message.

The campaign features composite images of top PPA and UPA stars in professions they are decidedly unqualified for. The tagline is simple but effective: just as you wouldn't trust Kate Fahey to give you a tattoo or JW Johnson to appraise your gems, you shouldn't trust a counterfeit paddle on the court.

While the delivery is lighthearted, the underlying issue is severe. Jason Aspes, president of the UPA-A, highlighted the financial and safety implications of the black market trade. "It’s a billion-dollar problem for golf. But for pickleball, we stand 14 feet away from each other," Aspes explained on X (formerly Twitter). He warned that untested, out-of-spec counterfeits pose a genuine physical threat to players.

This consumer-facing campaign runs parallel to a broader industry coalition effort, aiming to educate players that saving a few dollars on a fake paddle isn't worth the risk to safety or integrity. By leveraging the likenesses of the sport's most recognizable faces, the UPA-A hopes to make the message impossible to ignore.

Pickleball Goes Behind Bars: Welsh Officials Host Tournament at HMP Berwyn

Wrexham, Wales – Pickleball Wales brought the sport to an unconventional venue this week, stepping behind the walls of HMP Berwyn for a unique tournament aimed at fostering community and connection. Paul Byron, Chair of Pickleball Wales, was invited by prison officials to organise a mini-tournament involving staff from several facilities, including Berwyn, Werrington, and Feltham.

The event was more than just a casual hit-around; it was a structured competition featuring a round-robin group stage followed by knockouts. Byron, along with Pickleball Wales director Susan Evans and players from the Anglesey Pickleball Club, joined the prison staff on the court. Pickleball Wales provided the necessary nets and balls to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Byron and Evans ultimately won the pairs competition, but the scoreline was secondary to the atmosphere. "The tournament was played in the true spirit of the game, which was a true delight to see," Byron reported. He described the visit as a valuable networking opportunity and a chance to promote the sport within Wales, demonstrating pickleball's ability to cross social boundaries and bring people together in unexpected places.

"Clear Breach" vs. "Grow the Game": Top Pros Appeal Contract Terminations

Dallas, USA – A high-stakes labour dispute has erupted in professional pickleball, as players James Ignatowich, Ryan Fu, and Vivian Glozman formally appealed the termination of their contracts by the United Pickleball Association (UPA). The terminations, which made headlines last week, effectively ban the players from the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) if upheld.

The conflict stems from the players' participation in an event in Tokyo organised by the Pickleball Japan Federation. PPA Tour CEO Connor Pardoe described the violation as "black-and-white," alleging that the players used their UPA-paid likenesses to promote a direct competitor event. "This is not a gray area," Pardoe stated.

However, the players argue they were participating in an unpaid "grow the game" educational clinic that did not violate their exclusivity clauses. "We did not compete in another league, promote a rival tour, or receive compensation," they said in a joint statement, adding that they had received approval from the Players Council. The World Pickleball Players' Association (WPPA) has thrown its support behind the trio, calling for a fairer process.

The fallout has immediate consequences: Ignatowich and Fu face the end of their PPA careers, and MLP teams like the Chicago Slice and SoCal Hard Eights are left scrambling to fill roster spots for the 2026 season. The UPA has acknowledged receipt of the appeal and stated they will evaluate the next steps.

"The Kitchen Doesn't Care": Referee Ron Ponder Clarifies the Most Misunderstood Rule

Dallas, USA – It is the most debated call in recreational pickleball, but according to legendary referee Ron Ponder, the "push-off foot fault" is actually quite simple—if you understand the concept of "re-establishment." During the recent Dink Minor League National Championships, Ponder sat down to clear up the confusion surrounding volleys near the non-volley zone (NVZ), or kitchen.

Ponder explained that the most common error players make is believing the rule concerns where they land after a shot. In reality, the infraction occurs the moment the ball is struck. "If any part of your foot is touching the NVZ or NVZ line when you volley... it’s a fault," Ponder clarified.

The critical concept is "re-establishment." Before hitting a volley, a player must have both feet completely outside the kitchen and not touching the line. "Not one foot. Not 'mostly' outside. Both feet, fully clear," the report emphasises. A common violation involves a player stepping into the kitchen for a dink, backing up slightly, but leaving one foot on the line while volleying the next shot.

Ponder also reminded players that momentum is a strict liability; if your momentum carries you into the kitchen after the volley—even if the point has technically ended—it is still a fault. His advice for players is simple: "No re-establishment = no volley." When in doubt, reset your feet before attacking.